The Power of Creating: Tanya’s Creative Flame

“Art doesn’t have to compete with a practical career, it can coexist with it.” These words perfectly capture how Tanya balances her career as a software engineer and her passion for creating meaningful art. Based in Pune, India, she creates beautiful mandala artwork, is an art educator, enjoys working on DIY projects, and is the heart and soul behind Creativeflamebytanya, an inclusive space dedicated to mindfulness and creativity.

Tanya’s art has a way of pulling you in addictive yet soothing at the same time. When we reached out to her, we learned how her journey began in childhood, inspired by her mother’s lessons in fabric painting and embroidery, and how now sharing her work online lets her live the dream of the little girl who always wanted to be an artist. Through her work she continues to share that joy with others, inspiring them to create with consistency, mindfulness, and curiosity.

And, here’s what she wants every reader to know:

What do you create?

“I mostly work with dot mandala patterns, one-stroke floral techniques, and acrylic/gouache paintings, often on black canvas for that satisfying, meditative contrast. I also love experimenting with new art forms, from embroidery and embossing to making handmade earrings, I’m always up for trying something different.”

When did you start, and what inspired you to begin?

“I have been creating art since childhood, my mother used to teach me fabric painting and embroidery, and that’s really where my interest began. I started my Instagram page in 2020, during the COVID years, but couldn’t post or create consistently due to a lack of inspiration. It was my husband, who is also very creative and manages everything behind the scenes, who truly inspired me to start creating every day.”

Does anyone in your family or surroundings do something similar?

“I’m the only one in my family who creates, but I’m lucky to have people around me who genuinely support and love what I do that encouragement means a lot. There support gives me the strength to keep experimenting, keep showing up, and keep sharing my art.”

What have you learned through your creative journey?

“With time, I have learnt that art doesn’t have to compete with a “practical” career, it can coexist with it. I’ve learned to balance my identity as a software professional with my identity as an artist, and honestly, the discipline from one feeds the other. I’ve also learned the value of consistency: showing up, posting, and improving everyday.”

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting?

“Don’t wait to feel “ready” or “good enough.” Start with whatever you have, a canvas, a phone camera, one hour of free time, and let consistency do the rest. Also, don’t be afraid to let your niche be specific; that’s often what helps people find and remember you. What matters most is showing up for yourself and letting your creativity grow naturally.”

What keeps you going when you feel stuck or uninspired?

“I create for myself, to make that little girl in me happy, the one who always dreamed of becoming the artist I am today. The meditation and happiness that art gives me is what motivates me to keep going; it’s my escape from the 9 to 5. Sometimes just starting a piece, even without inspiration, brings the motivation right back.”

Where can we find you?

Instagram : @creativeflamebytanya
Website : https://creativeflamebytanya.com/